Job Application Letter 1

24 Oxford Street Harvard University Cambridge, MA 02138 March 11, 20XX Mr. Timothy Borden, Personnel Officer USGS National Center, MS-215 U.S. Geological Survey 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Reston, VA 22092 Dear Mr. Borden: I am writing to apply for the position of geologist at USGS Headquarters as announced on the Career America College Hotline. As you can see from the enclosed resume, I am a senior concentrating in earth and planetary sciences at Harvard University. My studies and research in the past four years have focused on geochemistry, particularly as it relates to the late-stage magmatic processes and to the petrology of meteorites. Through my research and work experience during college, I have become proficient in the use of a variety of laboratory equipment, such as the electron microprobe and the scanning electron microscope. The position of geologist would allow me to utilize my geological knowledge to define and solve problems. I would find this very exciting and challenging. In addition, I enjoy both creative and technical writing, as well as editing, and take pleasure in designing presentations of technical material. I will be in the Washington, D.C. area for the week beginning March 25. I would like very much to meet with you at that time to discuss my candidacy for this position. Sincerely,

Catherine A. Pointer

Comments: In applying for this technical position, Catherine describes her subject interests and her familiarity with laboratory equipment. She also communicates her writing and presentation skills in a way that conveys enthusiasm and confidence.